MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Morgantown girls’ soccer senior Anna Iquinto just wanted to make this the best season it could be, even if COVID-19 has knocked out a good portion of it. Now, less than two weeks back on the pitch, Iquinto has solidified herself as the goal-getting star for the Mohigans.
But, knowing this is her last go-around with her teammates, she’s helping her team stay focused through this crucial year rather than basking in the glory she rightfully deserves. And with that, she’s trying to block out the threat the pandemic poses to her final season.
“I’m trying to keep in my head that this coronavirus stuff isn’t here – I’m trying to keep my team’s head in the game and keep everyone focused during practices and games,” she said. “I’m trying to keep everyone’s heads up with everything that’s going on, but I think we’re doing pretty good so far.”
For many senior athletes, this year will likely be remembered as a time of “what ifs.” With many schedules falling apart or held together with the hope that an outbreak doesn’t hit them or their opponents, Iquinto’s mindset is that of the present day. Still, her final year hasn’t been untouched by the pandemic. Following a 7-0 blowout win over John Marshall on Sept. 3, Monongalia County went red after West Virginia University welcomed back students. Nearly a month later, the Mohigans (6-0) were able to jump back into action against rival University on Sept. 30, downing the Hawks 4-1. Since then, MHS has dominated opponents, allowed just three goals through the last five games while posted shutouts in the last two. And of the team’s 22 goals in the last four games, Iquinto owns 15. Further, in four games this season –Preston, Parkersburg South, John Marshall and, most recently, Winfield – the senior has logged a hat trick.
That type of production is exactly what Morgantown needs entering a season on the back of a state championship last year, especially when the team’s without fast striker Sammie Brown, one of the best players to go through the MHS girls’ soccer program as well as the 2019 Gatorade Player of the Year. And while playing without her friend who’s now with the University of Auburn women’s soccer program, Iquinto has taken on the duties Brown left behind.
Talent aside, she’s quick to tell you that she’s not the only one that’s making this year’s installment of the Mohigans successful, pointing out teammates Alyssa Weaver, Michaela August and Gracie Brown as her top on-field supports. Plus, it goes without saying that being a well-rounded program makes it difficult for teams to focus solely on Iquinto and in turn allows her to get open – even if it’s for just one shot on goal.
“I have Alyssa and [Gracie] with me, and recently my left back Michaela August has been playing me these amazing balls managing to get me up there, and then getting up the line and crossing those balls to me. The Parkersburg South game when we played them, all my goals were assisted by Michaela. And then Alyssa and Gracie playing me through balls when I get behind defenses. I’ve been taking on players, but mostly it’s been good through balls by midfield and the outside backs.”
Like all great athletes, these skills didn’t develop overnight. And for Iquinto, neither did her leadership skills. Throughout the offseason and the team’s downtime, Iquinto and teammates would meet up to get work in. They also have maintained communication through a group chat and work individually, but through all of it, Iquinto has been there to keep things moving.
Yet, as the regular season winds down and the undefeated Mohigans head into a tougher portion of their schedule, Iquinto knows they can’t take teams for granted.
“We’re going to start playing a lot of better teams, and especially in the playoffs, the underclassmen need to understand that [those] games are a lot different than regular-season games,” she said. “Definitely we have to focus during Parkersburg South, Bridgeport, Wheeling Park – we’ve had to watch out for the last couple of years – and then Hurricane and Hedgesville. We can’t take those teams for granted.”
Morgantown will return to play Tuesday with a home game against one of those threats, Wheeling Park. Kick is set for 5:30 p.m. at Pony Lewis Field.
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